Cape Town - Adventure Travel for all!

 

Cape Town offers many various Adventure Experiences in and around the city.

Try as many as the budget allows or choose just one and enjoy the incredible experience.

One of the most exciting adventures is a Tandem Paraglide off Signal Hill in Cape Town.

There are numerous operators and most cater for all ages. Weight restrictions from 15kg to 135kg - check with your chosen operator re any weight concerns. Take a running leap off Signal Hill with assistance and your experienced guide in tandem and enjoy the incredible views over the ocean as you sore up high, catching the thermals.  It is thrilling experience and the huge numbers taking off on any given day, in good weather, are testament to the popularity of this Cape Town Experience.

 

Another cool option in exploring the city is via Scootours - a scooter with thick tyres and impressive brakes! No motor - just your own foot power. Ideal for young and old. Freewheel downhill from Signal Hill towards Bo-Kaap on an off road track. You are then collected and taken up to Table Mountain for the next run off the lower slopes of the mountain.

www.scootours.co.za

Bookings are essential for this activity - book online 

Children can ride with adults if required - fun for all!

With many other activities to choose from we list a few below

Please do check their websites for up-to-date information

Snorkel with Seals - there are a number of companies offering this activity in Cape Town.

Children should be 15 years or older, all participants must be good swimmers and not suffer with sea-sickness. Cape Fur Seals weigh between 100 to 350 kg - very inquisitive and often playful. 

For those who don't want to venture into the water, seals can be seen up close in both Hout Bay and Kalk Bay Harbours. Whether one considers this a good or bad practice remains debatable.

The seals in Hout Bay Harbour are fed by locals as a money earner and tourist attraction. 

Water Bikes Simonstown is another fun activity to enjoy. Guided tours are available to "bike" to the penguins or just to admire the marine life and scenery from your lofty height on the bike, Due to the height of the bike, you won't get wet and the activity is suitable for anybody over 1.5m tall and weighing not more than 110kg. Find them at Simonstown Pier. This is both a winter and summer activitiy, weather permitting.

www.capetownwaterbikes.co.za

 Cape Town Ziplines

"Situated in Constantia Nek on the Silvermist Estate this adventure activity is not to be missed if you are seeking an adventure filled activity.

Cape Town Ziplines forms part of the well-known SA Forest Adventures Adventure Brand. SA Forest Adventures is known nationally and internationally as one of Africa’s leading Adventure Companies.

The adventure begins with a brief safety introduction at our office with in the Silvermist Estate. From here guests will embark on a hair raising guided 4 x 4 drive into the mountain high above Constantia with a spectacular view of Cape Town. Cape Town Ziplines boarders on the Table Mountain National Park Reserve. You will be surrounded by the natural beauty, fauna and flora while walking and zipline between the 12 platforms. You could almost mistakably think that you are inside the Table Mountain Nature Reserve as you take in the amazing scenery.

The Zipline experience offers you a tour of the cables starting high in the mountain and slowly descending down the slopes. Our platforms offer visitors the most amazing panoramic views of Cape Town".

www.saforestadventures.co.za

Jeep Dune Adventure

www.jeeptours.capetown

Zip along in open top Jeep Wranglers in the Witzand Aquifer Nature reserve. Just 40 mins from Cape Town

"Cape Town is unique due to its high concentration of local flora and fauna species. Our nature reserves protect and conserve our city’s natural resources and biodiversity heritage.

The Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve is famous for the Atlantis Dunes which cover 500 hectares of the reserve. It is a flora and fauna-rich landscape which is home to endangered Cape Flats dune strandveld and the critically endangered Atlantis sand fynbos as well as an abundance of wild life, including: steenbok, Cape grysbok, small grey mongoose, Cape dune mole rat and caracal. Below the surface, a large underground natural aquifer supplies the surrounding communities of Atlantis, Mamre and Pella with potable (drinking) water.

The reserve also offers 4x4 fun, quad biking and sand boarding."

There are many more activities like Catamaran cruising, Cobra Car Rentals, Cape Side Car Adventures, Helicopter flights and much more.

Cape Town is an incredible city with much to offer any visitor - whether you are an adrenaline junkie or a more sedate traveller, there is always much to see and experience.

This is not a city for a short stay - you will want to return again and again!.

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Cape Town - Arderne Gardens

 Arderne Gardens is a tranquil spot in the centre of Claremont, Cape Town. 

For those interested in history or gardens, this is a spot to enjoy. Entry is free of charge.

The gardens were started in 1845 by Ralph Henry Arderne who hailed from Cheshire in England.

The family collected plants from all over the world and this garden became well known for its beauty.

The gardens did go thru a period of neglect over the years as ownership changed - in 1979 the gardens were declared a National Historical Monument. Much of the work today is able assisted by "Friends of the Arderne Gardens" and they welcome both new membership or donations. 

 There are many paths to explore, birds, ducks, geese and guinea fowl for the children and many benches for the "not so fit" or just to take in the peaceful atmosphere of the gardens.

Saturdays see many wedding parties taking their wedding photos in these gardens - it has become quite a tradition!

For those interested in the Arboretum, there are 6  Champion trees - chosen for their heritage significance, biological attributes, and age. 

Cork Oak, Aleppo Pine, Norfolk Island Pine, Turkish Oak, Queensland Kauri and the Moreton Bay Fig (above) 

Guided Torus can be booked - view the official website for further information.

https://www.ardernegardens.org.za/

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Cape Town - African Penguins - Boulders

 

African Penguin Simonstown on a nest

The penguins at Boulders, Simonstown are amazing and well worth visiting when in Cape Town.

The colony is spread across the beaches and many wander into the residential area of Simonstown.

So please do take care, especially at night - check under your car - there may be a penguin or two hiding underneath!! In the morning some of them can be seen wandering back down to the beach!

Seeing nature from such close quarters in an urban environment is very special, come rain or shine.

These birds, who are unable to fly, can swim at a speed of 7 km per hour. Watching them come ashore after fishing is the cutest spectacle in the late afternoon. Their natural enemies in the ocean are sharks, Cape fur seals and sometimes Orca's. They are so brave and they mate for life. 

The penguins swim back in groups and the splashes and uneven wobbles, as the tide pushes them in, is a comical and glorious sight.

 

African Penguin Boulders Simonstown, Cape Town

African Penguins Simonstown

There are currently about 2200 of these amazing birds in this protected area - the numbers have climbed from just 2 pairs in 1982 so it is a huge success for this endangered species.

Nesting takes place around February to August and the nests are on the ground or in some of the artificial structures put in place by the Parks Board. Some nests are holes on the beach, surrounded by many other penguins. Nests are fiercely protected if another penguin dares to come to close.

During the annual moulting (around December) season, the birds are confined to land for about 21 days so they need to fatten up prior to this as they cannot swim when their coats lose their waterproofing. 

Listening to the babies crying for their feed in the evening is heart-rending but they do all get fed by their parents  - they are just very vocal in their demands! 

This is an incredible experience and one that must not be missed when visiting Cape Town!

The chicks are covered in down which is not waterproof  until about 60 days after hatching. 
You will be able to spot the juveniles due to their blue-grey plumage.
Both parents will go out to sea when the chicks are about 30 days old. 

Simonstown is well worth exploring for the quirky shops, museums and numerous restaurants. 
For water sport lovers there are various activities such as sea kayaking and water bikes.
During the summer months the beaches are very popular - get there early for a slice of the beach.

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    For Accommodation Cape Town, South Africa

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There are currently about 2200 of these amazing birds in this protected area - the numbers have climbed from just 2 pairs in 1982 so it is a huge success for this endangered species.

Nesting takes place around February to August and the nests are on the ground or in some of the artificial structures put in place by the Parks Board.

During the annual moulting (around December) season, the birds are confined to land for about 21 days so they need to fatten up prior to this as they cannot swim when their coats lose their waterproofing. 

Listening to the babies crying for their feed in the evening is heart-rending but they do all get fed - they are just very vocal in their demands! 

This is an incredible experience and one that must not be missed when visiting Cape Town!

The view across the bay in Simonstown

Cape Town - Cape Point

 Cape Point is a must see destination when visiting Cape Town!

Happy tourists enjoying Cape of Good Hope 

Beautiful buck in Cape Point 

Wild life can be spotted in many areas of the park but you need to keep a look-out as they are often fairly elusive. These beautiful buck looked happy and calm.


It is advisable to drive thru the park in your own vehicle - that way you can explore the entire area at your own pace and enjoy much more of the park.  Although, for those with a short time only, the Red Bus or other Tour Operators are 100% The latter just don't go to all the various spots so one does miss much of what Cape Point offers.

Whatever, you do, enjoy this amazing part of Cape Town!

View of Cape Point way in the distance

Cape Point, located within Table Mountain National Park, remains one of the most beautiful places to visit. Enjoy the bracing air, apparently the purest in the world! Breathe deeply and enjoy the experience.

"The air at Cape Point is among the purest in the world, and thus it is home to one of Global Research Watch’s (GAW) atmospheric research stations. GAW is a global network established by the World Meteorological Organisation to monitor trends and changes in the Earth’s atmosphere".

Surfing at Black Rocks Cape Point

Winter is the best time to surf at the spot called Black Rocks and the area was packed with surfers when we visited. All having great fun and good waves.

Tidal Pool at Buffels Bay Cape Point

The tidal pool is gorgeous during the summer months and picnics are a favourite with locals at any time of the year. There are also "braai" area's to enjoy the outdoors during the warmer months.

A good place to spot baboons in their natural environment  is the beautiful beach at Buffels Bay. The troop is normally on the move in this area and mother's and babies are visible. There is always a sentry so look upwards to find him sitting on the top of the dunes! Just ensure you don't have any food with you when walking this beach and the troop will leave you alone. 

The flora in Cape Point varies with the seasons - currently proteas are blooming. There are approx.1000 species of flora in the park - 14 of which are endemic to the region.

Cape Point offers numerous hiking trails - the view above is from Gifkommetjie way below.

The distance between here and Platboom dunes is approx. 3 km or you can head in the opposite direction towards Olifantsbos

The walk up towards the old lighthouse has many steps but it is well worth the effort.

The Flying Dutchman can take you closer to the top but you will still need to do the final steps.

Don't be put off - the views are stunning and you will be able to see for miles.

Not quite as far as Antartica which just happens to be 6000km away.

One of the view points along the way to the Old Lighthouse

Female Ostrich at Cape Point

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South Africa - Vergelegen Wine Estate - Western Cape

 

Vergelegen Wine Estate, founded in 1700 is more than just wine. The estate offers numerous gardens that are ideal for wandering at various times of the year.

The views of the mountain range in the distance just enhance the exploring of this estate.

Various tours can be booked - Heritage and Garden, Cellar and Vineyard plus an Environmental Tour focusing on sustainability and the environment with possible sightings of Nguni cattle, Eland and Bontebok.

The ancient trees date back many years - the White Mulberry dates back to 1700, the Old English Oak is over 300 years old and the 5 Camphor trees were declared a National Monument in 1942.

An impressive call to nature that has been well preserved and looked after by the many generations of owners at Vergelegen.

The Gardens have been restored and are a delight to explore at various times of the year as different plant species flower. Look for the Octagonal Garden, the Bamboo Garden, Rose Garden (currently dormant) and the amazing Camellia Garden of Excellence. This garden is one of only 39 such gardens world-wide and the only one in Africa. As with the various gardens, this is best viewed during the winter months.

The Yellowood Walk is a circular path found after passing the old Water Mill facade, then crossing the swing bridge over the river. A bench is situated in a tranquil spot to watch the water rushing by.

Once hunger there are restaurants and wine tasting available. 

This estate is a must for nature lovers and offers much at various times of the year.

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